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Marisa Blackshire
Senior Director, Environmental Compliance and EH&S at Bloom Energy
Professional Background
Marisa Blackshire stands out as a pioneering leader in the field of Environmental Compliance and Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S). Currently serving as the Senior Director at Bloom Energy, Marisa has made it her mission to elevate compliance standards to new heights. Leveraging her extensive experience in environmental law and compliance, she is at the forefront of transformative strategies that prioritize sustainability while adhering to regulatory frameworks.
Before her impactful role at Bloom Energy, Marisa held the esteemed position of Senior General Attorney II at BNSF Railway. Here, she championed a range of environmental legal initiatives, focusing on air and climate programs system-wide. Her work encompassed developing corporate sustainability strategies and policies while addressing crucial regulatory compliance matters across a diverse territory that included California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Nebraska. Her dedication to preserving the environment and social responsibility is evident in her approach to legal and compliance matters, ensuring that organizations meet their environmental obligations rigorously and thoughtfully.
Before joining BNSF, Marisa was heavily involved with environmental permitting, compliance, and litigation in a variety of legal contexts. She adeptly assisted clients, which included major players in the petroleum and energy sectors, in acquiring necessary environmental permits and navigating complex legislative requirements. Her extensive knowledge of environmental regulations, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), has made her a respected authority in the environmental field. She successfully represented clients in legal proceedings challenging the adequacy of environmental documents, such as Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) and Environmental Impact Statements (EISs). Her litigation expertise is further demonstrated by her proficiency in state and federal cost recovery actions, specifically under legislation like the California Health and Safety Code (HSAA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
Education and Achievements
Marisa Blackshire holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Southwestern Law School, where she honed her legal expertise, particularly in environmental and corporate law. Her solid foundation in political science was built at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), complementing her understanding of the intersection between policy and law. She also studied at Washington State University, further broadening her educational horizons and knowledge base.
Throughout her career, Marisa has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing environmental standards and corporate sustainability. Her specialty areas include significant and impactful subjects such as CEQA and NEPA compliance, greenhouse gas emissions, global climate change, sustainability practices, endangered species protection, the Clean Water Act, air compliance, green chemistry, and water quality management. These specialties highlight her comprehensive understanding of the intricacies associated with environmental law and compliance, marking her as a leading expert in the field.
Notable Achievements
Marisa’s professional journey is peppered with accomplishments that underscore her dedication and expertise in environmental law. At Bloom Energy, she has successfully directed numerous initiatives aimed at achieving superior compliance practices, ensuring that operational processes align seamlessly with both regulatory requirements and corporate ethos regarding environmental stewardship. Her role as a thought leader in the industry is further amplified through her contributions to advancing sustainability practices and enhancing corporate policies that support environmental responsibility.
During her tenure at BNSF Railway, Marisa was instrumental in reshaping the company’s approach to environmental compliance and sustainability, particularly concerning air quality and climate programs. Her strategic insights and legal acumen led to the development of policies that effectively balanced corporate interests with environmental preservation objectives.
In addition to her roles in legal practice, Marisa has represented a wide array of clients, including major petroleum companies, energy providers, residential development firms, a Class I rail carrier, and even the world’s largest retailer. Her versatility in handling complex matters related to environmental law has established her as a trusted advisor among her clients and peers alike.
Marisa Blackshire’s career reflects a deep commitment to environmental sustainability, legal precision, and corporate responsibility. As she continues to drive impactful change at Bloom Energy, her expertise in navigating the complexities of environmental law ensures that her initiatives do not just meet compliance standards but also lead to innovative practices that promote a healthier planet for future generations.
